SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
In this paper, recent technology progress developing this CHDS at JPL will be presented. The recent applications of the CHDS to optical pattern recognition systems as a high density, high transfer rate memory bank will also be discussed.
Theoretical line-of-sight velocities, as would be observed by the EISCAT radar, are computed for idealized models of plasma convection in the polar ionosphere. The calculations give the velocity as a function of range and Universal Time. For several variants of the Volland and Heelis convection models, how the maxima, minima and reversals of velocity depend on beam azimuth is examined. The analysis is designed to be applied to data from the UK-POLAR experiment, an example of which is shown.
In this study, we introduce the concept and construction of an innovative Digital Miniature Cathode Ray Magnetometer designed for the precise detection of magnetic fields. This device addresses several limitations inherent to magnetic probes such as D.C. offset, nonlinearity, temperature drift, sensor aging, and the need for frequent recalibration, while capable of operating in a wide range of magnetic fields. The core principle of this device involves the utilization of a charged particle beam as the sensitivity medium. The system leverages the interaction of an electron beam with a scintillator material, which then emits visible light that is captured by an imager. The emitted scintillation light is captured by a CMOS sensor. This sensor not only records the scintillation light but also accurately determines the position of the electron beam, providing invaluable spatial information crucial for magnetic field mapping. The key innovation lies in the combination of electron beam projection, CMOS imager scintillation-based detection, and digital image signal processing. By employing this synergy, the magnetometer achieves remarkable accuracy, sensitivity and dynamic range. The precise position registration enabled by the CMOS sensor further enhances the device’s utility in capturing complex magnetic field patterns, allowing for 2D field mapping. In this work, the optimization of the probe’s performance is tailored for applications related to the characterization of insertion devices in light sources, including undulators.
A system for tracking moving signal sources is disclosed which is particularly adaptable for use in tracking stage performers. A miniature transmitter is attached to the person or object to be tracked and emits a detectable signal of a predetermined frequency. A plurality of detectors positioned in a preset pattern sense the signal and supply output information to a phase detector which applies signals representing the angular orientation of the transmitter to a computer. The computer provides command signals to a servo network which drives a device such as a motor driven mirror reflecting the beam of a spotlight, to track the moving transmitter.
An optical vector matrix multiplication scheme that encodes the matrix elements as a holographic mask consisting of linear diffraction gratings is proposed. The binary, chrome on glass masks are fabricated by e-beam lithography. This approach results in a fairly simple optical system that promises both large numerical range and high accuracy. A partitioned computer generated hologram mask was fabricated and tested. This hologram was diagonally separated outputs, compact facets and symmetry about the axis. The resultant diffraction pattern at the output plane is shown. Since the grating fringes are written at 45 deg relative to the facet boundaries, the many on-axis sidelobes from each output are seen to be diagonally separated from the adjacent output signals.
The flow in the diffuser section of the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Lewis Research Center is numerically investigated. To accomplish this, an existing computer code is utilized. The code, known as PARC3D, is based on the Beam-Warming algorithm applied to the strong conservation law form of the complete Navier-Stokes equations. The first portion of the paper consists of a brief description of the diffuser and its current flow characteristics. A brief discussion of the code work follows. Predicted velocity patterns are then compared with the measured values.
The flow in the diffuser section of the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Lewis Research Center is numerically investigated. To accomplish this, an existing computer code is utilized. The code, known as PARC3D, is based on the Beam-Warming algorithm applied to the strong conservation law form of the complete Navier-Stokes equations. The first portion of the paper consists of a brief description of the diffuser and its current flow characteristics. A brief discussion of the code work follows. Predicted velocity patterns are then compared with the measured values.
Though there are a few examples of scanning phased array antennas that have flown successfully in space, the quest for low-cost, high-efficiency, large aperture microwave phased arrays continues. Fixed and mobile applications that may be part of a heterogeneous exploration communication architecture will benefit from the agile (rapid) beam steering and graceful degradation afforded by phased array antennas. The reflectarray promises greater efficiency and economy compared to directly-radiating varieties. Implementing a practical scanning version has proven elusive. The ferroelectric reflectarray, under development and described herein, involves phase shifters based on coupled microstrip patterned on Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 films, that were laser ablated onto LaAlO3 substrates. These devices outperform their semiconductor counterparts from X- through and K-band frequencies. There are special issues associated with the implementation of a scanning reflectarray antenna, especially one realized with thin film ferroelectric phase shifters. This paper will discuss these issues which include: relevance of phase shifter loss; modulo 2(pi) effects and phase shifter transient effects on bit error rate; scattering from the ground plane; presentation of a novel hybrid ferroelectric-semiconductor phase shifter; and the effect of mild radiation exposure on phase shifter performance.
The Robotic External Leak Locator (RELL) was deployed to the International Space Station (ISS) with the objective of demonstrating the ability to detect and locate small leaks. On-orbit operations began in late November 2016 and following scanning activities to characterize the natural and induced environment of the ISS, RELL focused on the United States External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS). RELL successfully detected ammonia related to a known small ammonia leak in the port-side EATCS, with the highest pressure values around the inboard Radiator Beam Valve Module 1 (RBVM 1). An additional day of scanning was subsequently performed in December 2017 to focus on RBVM 1. RELL was approved for additional external operations in February 2017 with the goal of fine tuning the location of the leak. Using grid scanning patterns, RELL detected ammonia around RBVM 1 and located the approximate source of the leak. The potential leak site was inspected by a crew member during an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) in March 2017, and the suspected radiator-side lines were isolated from the port-side EATCS coolant loop in April 2017. Subsequent monitoring of the system pressures showed that the leak has stopped, indicating RELL accurately located the source of the EATCS leak. These activities verify that RELL enhances the ISS Program's ability to not only locate small leaks, but isolate the source with minimal impact to the entire ISS system.
Calibration of the vertical pattern of the antennas for the SEASAT scatterometer was accomplished using the nearly-uniform radar return from the Amazon rain forest. A similar calibration will be attempted for the SIR-B antenna. Thick calibration is important to establish the radiometric calibration across the swath of the SIR-B, and the developed methodology will provide an important tool in the evaluation of future spaceborne imaging radars. This calibration was made by the very-wide-beam SEASAT scatterometer antennas because at 14.65 GHz the scattering coefficient of the rain forest is almost independent of angle of incidence. It is expected that the variation in scattering coefficient for the rain forest across the relatively narrow vertical beam of the SIR-B will be very small; even at L band the forest should be essentially impenetrable for radar signals, the volume scatter from the treetops will predominate as at higher frequencies. The basic research elements include: (1) examination of SIR-B images over the rain forest to establish the variability of the scattering coefficient at finer resolutions than that of the SEASAT scatterometer; (2) analysis of the variability of SIR-B data detected prior to processing for either azimuth compression or; possibly, range compression so that averages over relatively large footprints can be used; (3) processing of data of the form of (2) using algorithms that can recover the vertical pattern of the antenna.
The Pandora Software Development Kit and algorithm libraries provide pattern-recognition logic essential to the reconstruction of particle interactions in liquid argon time projection chamber detectors. Pandora is the primary event reconstruction software used at ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector. ProtoDUNE-SP, located at CERN, is exposed to a charged-particle test beam. This paper gives an overview of the Pandora reconstruction algorithms and how they have been tailored for use at ProtoDUNE-SP. In complex events with numerous cosmic-ray and beam background particles, the simulated reconstruction and identification efficiency for triggered test-beam particles is above 80% for the majority of particle type and beam momentum combinations. Specifically, simulated 1 GeV/c charged pions and protons are correctly reconstructed and identified with efficiencies of 86.1$\pm 0.6$% and 84.1$\pm 0.6$%, respectively. The efficiencies measured for test-beam data are shown to be within 5% of those predicted by the simulation.
The instability that was previously identified as a fast-ion driven beta-induced Alfv´en-acoustic eigenmode (BAAE) in DIII-D was misidentified. In a dedicated experiment, low frequency modes (LFM) with characteristic “Christmas light” patterns of brief instability linked to the safety factor evolution occur in plasmas with electron temperature T e ≳ 2.1 keV but modest beta. To isolate the importance of different driving gradients on these modes, the electron cyclotron heating power and 80 keV, sub-Alfv´enic neutral beams are altered for 50-100 ms durations in reproducible discharges. Although beta-induced Alfv´en eigenmodes and reversed-shear Alfv´en eigenmodes stabilize when beam injection ceases (as expected for a fast-ion driven instability), the low frequency modes that were called BAAEs persist. Data mining reveals that characteristic LFM instabilities can occur in discharges with no beam heating but strong electron cyclotron heating. A large database of over 1000 discharges shows that LFMs are only unstable in plasmas with hot electrons but modest overall beta. The experimental LFMs have low frequencies (comparable to diamagnetic drift frequencies) in the plasma frame, occur near the minimum of the safety factor q min , and appear when q min is close to rational values. In conclusion, theoretical analysis suggests that the LFMs are a low frequency reactive instability of predominately Alfv´enic polarization.
We present an approach for simulating x-ray nanobeam Bragg coherent diffraction patterns based on the Takagi-Taupin equations. Compared to conventional methods, the current approach can be universally applied to any weakly strained system including semi-infinite crystals that diffract dynamically. It addresses issues such as the curved wave front and redivergence of the focused incident beam. In conclusion, we show excellent agreement with experimental data for a strained La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 thin film on a SrTiO 3 substrate and a path to extracting physical information using automatic differentiation.
Spectral small-angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS) is a powerful technique for material characterization from thicker samples by capturing elastic X-ray scattering data in angle- and energy-dispersive modes at small angles. This approach is enabled by the use of a 2D spectroscopic photon-counting detector that provides energy and position information of scattered photons when a sample is irradiated by a polychromatic X-ray beam. Here, we describe an open-source tool with a graphical interface for analyzing sSAXS data obtained from a 2D spectroscopic photon-counting detector with a large number of energy bins. The tool takes system geometry parameters and raw detector data to output 1D scattering patterns and a 2D spatially-resolved scattering map in the energy range of interest. We validated these features using data from samples of caffeine powder with well-known scattering peaks. This open-source tool will facilitate sSAXS data analysis for various material characterization applications.
The development of X-ray grid collimators at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory is considered with attention given to grid design (patterns and artwork for masters, materials, layout of grid patterns), mounting techniques (index housings, L-bar and T-bar housings, U-housings, rectangular housings). Alignment techniques (adjustable frames and alignment telescope, adjustable frames and on-axis and off-axis telescopes) are considered along with test procedures (plane parallel X-ray beam, convolved response).
An apparatus was designed for measuring the resolution and efficiency of a glancing-incidence mirror system having an even number of coaxial and confocal reflecting surfaces for use in an X-ray telescope. A collimated beam of X-rays is generated by an X-ray laser and directed along the axis of the system so that the beam is incident on the reflecting surfaces and illuminates a predetermined area. An X-ray detector, such as a photographic film, is located at the common focus of the surfaces so that the image produced by the X-rays may be compared with a test pattern interposed between the laser and the system.
Following the scientific success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spearheaded by a group of NASA and NASDA scientists, their external scientific collaborators, and additional investigators within the European Union's TRMM Research Program (EUROTRMM), there has been substantial progress towards the development of a new internationally organized, global scale, and satellite-based precipitation measuring mission. The highlights of this newly developing mission are a greatly expanded scope of measuring capability and a more diversified set of science objectives. The mission is called the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). Notionally, GPM will be a constellation-type mission involving a fleet of nine satellites. In this fleet, one member is referred to as the "core" spacecraft flown in an approximately 70 degree inclined non-sun-synchronous orbit, somewhat similar to TRMM in that it carries both a multi-channel polarized passive microwave radiometer (PMW) and a radar system, but in this case it will be a dual frequency Ku-Ka band radar system enabling explicit measurements of microphysical DSD properties. The remainder of fleet members are eight orbit-synchronized, sun-synchronous "constellation" spacecraft each carrying some type of multi-channel PMW radiometer, enabling no worse than 3-hour diurnal sampling over the entire globe. In this configuration the "core" spacecraft serves as a high quality reference platform for training and calibrating the PMW rain retrieval algorithms used with the "constellation" radiometers. Within NASA, GPM has advanced to the pre-formulation phase which has enabled the initiation of a set of science and technology studies which will help lead to the final mission design some time in the 2003 period. This presentation first provides an overview of the notional GPM program and mission design, including its organizational and programmatic concepts, scientific agenda, expected instrument package, and basic flight architecture. Following this introduction, we focus specifically on the last topic, that being an analysis which leads to an optimal flight architecture dictated in part by science requirements but constrained by allowable orbital mechanics, instrument scan patterns, and antenna aperture properties. Because the optimal architecture involves an interplay between orbit mechanics and instrument specifications, it is important to recognize that in attempting to serve various scientific themes, the final optimal architecture will represent a compromise concerning dynamic range, spatial resolution, sampling interval, pointing, beam coincidence, and measurement uncertainty. Moreover, cost becomes a major factor in seeking the optimal architecture through the pathways of antenna and instrument scan designs, as well as propulsion requirements associated with the orbit heights of various "constellation" members. Although the results presented at the IGARSS-2001 meeting will likely not be the fully refined flight architecture specifications, they are expected to be nearly complete.
A method and apparatus for performing simultaneous multi-point measurements of multiple velocity components in a gas flow is described. Pulses of laser light are directed to a measurement region of unseeded gas to produce Rayleigh or Mie scattered light in a plurality of directions. The Rayleigh or Mie scattered light is collected from multiple directions and combined in a single collimated light beam. The Rayleigh or Mie scattered light is then mixed together with a reference laser light before it is passed through a single planar Fabry-Perot interferometer for spectral analysis. At the output of the interferometer, a high-sensitivity CCD camera images the interference fringe pattern. This pattern contains the spectral and spatial information from both the Rayleigh scattered light and the reference laser light. Interferogram processing software extracts and analyzes spectral profiles to determine the velocity components of the gas flow at multiple points in the measurement region. The Rayleigh light rejected by the interferometer is recirculated to increase the accuracy and the applicability of the method for measurements at high temperatures without requiring an increase in the laser energy.